The Philippine National Police (PNP) has approved a one-month leave for former PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III, effective from August 28 to September 29, according to a report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.
PNP Public Information Office Chief PBGEN Randulf Tuaño confirmed in a media interview on Friday that Torre availed of mandatory leave, special privilege leave, and service leave.
Tuaño added that Torre is currently assigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU), where he holds an active but floating status. He explained that personnel assigned to the PHAU are typically designated for ceremonial duties such as parades or are stationed at the PNP Command Center.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has been designated as Officer-in-Charge of the PNP, replacing Torre.
Meanwhile, Torre addressed the public through a Facebook post, saying that sympathy should not be directed at him but at the millions of Filipinos affected by recurring floods:
“In spite of my abrupt removal as Chief of the Philippine National Police, okay po ako. Kung meron man tayong dapat kaawaan, yun ay milyon-milyon nating mga kababayan na paulit-ulit na nagiging biktima ng palagiang baha.”
It was previously reported that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla has offered Torre a new position related to the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
